Hi all,

Is the 50' coax cable that you can buy at Home Depot and RS, etc, safe for "in wall" use? I haven't seen anything that looks different or says "in wall". I just bought some 50' coax to "extend" an outlet and just want to make sure it is ok to use.

Thanks!

I've extended several cable runs using Home Depot coax cable. It works fine in-wall.

I've extended several cable runs using Home Depot coax cable. It works fine in-wall.

I think he means is it rated for in-wall use. Which is a good question because I ran several hundred feet of RG6 from HD in my walls. Hmmmmmm!

Thanks for the replies.

yes...that is what I am asking. I probably should have asked a long time ago as I've done some other runs too. But everything that was in my walls beforehand, and everything since *seems* to be the same type of cable (at least the jacket, etc).

So, if anyone knows if this stuff is "officially" rated for in-wall use, please let us know.

Thanks!

Yes it is fine for inwall use (IE...Wallfish). The cable co's, electricians, Satellite all use the same coax in the wall as they do on the outside of a wall.

thanks!

I think he means is it rated for in-wall use. Which is a good question because I ran several hundred feet of RG6 from HD in my walls. Hmmmmmm!

Out of curiosity, what would make coax cable not rated for in-wall use? I've run it through walls, crawl spaces, and attics and never thought twice about it.

I'm not sure. I recently purchased speaker wire and HDMI cables - all of which specifically declared "rated for in-wall use". So, I just figured I'd ask about coax just in case.

Out of curiosity, what would make coax cable not rated for in-wall use? I've run it through walls, crawl spaces, and attics and never thought twice about it.

It has to do with how it burns, and what fumes it lets off when it does burn. Wikipedia article about plenum rated cable. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plenum_cable)

They do make plenum rated coax and its usually a decent bit more expensive. Here is an example. (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=9116P)

In most household installations I wouldn't worry about it too much. I don't know if the NEC or anyone else mandates plenum cable for residential installations. I would worry about it if you did something like run it through duct work or anything that moves air. If my house was on fire I'm sure the non plenum cable I have would be the last thing on my mind.

-Sean

I think the coax sold at the big box stores is CL2/CL3/CMR rated, and suitable for in-wall use. I purchased all mine from Menards/Home Depot/Lowes, and it's marked on the jacket with a fire rating.
For in-wall use, you shouldn't need plenum-rated cable... as the post above says, that's really for use in air-handling spaces (i.e. ductwork for a residential install).